Nov. 7 (UPI) — Cesar Sayoc, the man accused of sending devices that looked like pipe bombs to prominent critics of President Donald Trump, will be held without bail, a federal judge in New York City ruled Tuesday.
During a brief hearing in a Manhattan courtroom, Sayoc told U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger that he fully understood his rights and the charges he faces, which include interstate transport of explosives, mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents, making threatening interstate communications and assault of current or former officials, NBC News reported.
Before the hearing, prosecutors argued that Sayoc was too dangerous to be released on bail, amNY reported. But Sayoc didn’t contest that argument as his attorney, federal defender Sarah Baumgartel, told the court her client would not request bail.
Sayoc, 56, is accused of sending at least 14 devices to Democratic politicians, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., as well as well-known Trump critics, including former CIA Director John Brennan, billionaire Democratic donor George Soros and actor Robert DeNiro.
None of the devices exploded and it’s not clear if they were real bombs.
Sayoc, who is originally from New York but living in Florida at the time of his arrest, was known to be a vocal Trump supporter who decorated his van with stickers in support of the president.
Family members described him as mentally ill. An attorney who deposed him in 2014 said he would make up outlandish claims, such as being a financial wizard and a professional soccer player.
Trump denounced Sayoc in an interview with Fox News.
“He was insane a long time before,” Trump said. “You look at his medical records — he was insane for a long time.”
